Remediation Technologies for Petroleum Hydrocarbons from the Environment

Abstract

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) are widely utilized as substrates for industrial applications and as principal energy resources. However, over-utilization of PHs can contaminate the soil, posing considerable dangers to the ecosystem. To counter this, different physical, chemical, and biological approaches are employed to remediate contaminated soil. Nonetheless, many chemical approaches are costly, environmentally detrimental, and not effective. Consequently, researchers are focusing on developing new strategies that address soil pollution in an ecologically friendly approach. Bioremediation, which employs microorganisms, emerges as an environmentally conscious technique for PH degradation. Advanced technologies like Next-generation sequencing (NGS) have revolutionized monitoring practices at polluted regions, providing perspectives on biodegradation processes facilitated by microorganisms through selective ribosomal RNA (rRNA) targeting. The chapter examines the sustainable management of PHs from the environment by novel innovative remediation technologies, along with its challenges and future directions. Nanotechnology holds great potential for the degradation of pollutants; however, its viability is contingent on economic efficiency. To this end, the chapter proposes the application of microbial electrochemical methods that leverage reactive microbes to bioremediate and biodegrade PH-contaminated soil. Such an approach aligns with environment-friendliness and encourages the development of sustainable restoration strategies.